Nauthúsagil Ravine

Nauthúsagil

South Iceland

A hidden moss-covered canyon beneath Eyjafjallajökull — wade through a stream, grab onto chains, and discover secret waterfalls deep inside the earth.

About Nauthúsagil

Nauthúsagil is one of South Iceland's best-kept secrets — a narrow, moss-draped ravine tucked beneath the Eyjafjallajökull glacier. The name translates to "Bull Shed Ravine", a reference to an abandoned estate called Nauthús that stood nearby in 1770. Today it is a magical adventure for those who seek it out.

The experience begins as a gentle walk along a stream, but the canyon quickly narrows until the walls nearly close overhead. Chains and ropes are bolted into the slippery rock walls to help you navigate deeper into the ravine. As you wade through the shallow stream and squeeze between moss-covered boulders, the light fades and the sound of rushing water grows louder — until you reach the hidden waterfalls cascading inside this natural cave.

The ravine is also famous for its wild rowan trees, whose trunks grow along the ridges — sometimes extending horizontally — creating a lush green canopy overhead. Nauthúsagil is located just past Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi, behind the farm Stóra-Mörk, making it easy to combine with other south coast highlights.

Distance from Cabin

~80 km / about 1 hour 10 minutes by car from Northern Lights Cabin via Route 1 and a short gravel road.

The Adventure

Wade through a shallow stream, use chains on the canyon walls, and squeeze through narrow passages to discover hidden waterfalls.

Visit Duration

45–90 minutes for the full ravine experience. Open year-round, 24/7. Best visited in summer (June–September).

Hidden Gem

Rated 9.8/10 by visitors. Far less crowded than nearby Seljalandsfoss, yet just as spectacular — a true insider's destination.

Admission

Free entry and free parking. Located behind the farm Stóra-Mörk, just past Seljalandsfoss on the south coast.

Our Photos

Nauthúsagil Gallery

Photos from our adventure through this hidden ravine — from the mossy entrance to the secret waterfalls deep inside.

Entering Nauthúsagil ravine with lush green moss and rowan trees overhead

Into the Ravine

The mossy entrance to Nauthúsagil

Moss-covered rock walls narrowing inside Nauthúsagil canyon

Moss-Covered Walls

The canyon narrows between ancient rocks

The Narrow Passage

Squeezing deeper into the ravine

Looking Up

Light filtering into the deep canyon

Person navigating near a waterfall inside the dark Nauthúsagil ravine using chains

Chain Climbing

Using the chains to reach the inner falls

Waterfall visible through the narrow dark passage of Nauthúsagil with light streaming in

Hidden Waterfall

The secret cascade deep inside the canyon

Swimming in the pool beneath the waterfall inside Nauthúsagil ravine

Taking the Plunge

A refreshing dip in the waterfall pool

Waterfall shooting out from the moss-covered cliff inside Nauthúsagil ravine

The Inner Falls

Water cascading through the mossy canyon

Close-up of the waterfall pouring from the rock face with lush green moss in Nauthúsagil

Moss and Water

The power and beauty of the hidden falls

From Below

The dramatic view looking up at the falls

Getting There

Location & Directions

Nauthúsagil is about a 1 hour 10 minute drive from Northern Lights Cabin along Iceland's scenic south coast.

From Northern Lights Cabin

Distance: ~80 km (50 miles)
Drive time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Route: Head south to Route 1 (Ring Road) and drive east past Seljalandsfoss. Turn onto the gravel road towards Stóra-Mörk farm. The ravine is a short walk from the parking area.
Parking: Free parking near the farm. Short walk to the ravine entrance.

Good to Know

Wear waterproof boots or shoes you don't mind getting wet — you will wade through a stream inside the ravine.
The rocks are slippery — use the chains and ropes bolted into the walls for support.
Bring a waterproof jacket and consider waterproof protection for your phone/camera.
Moderate difficulty — suitable for adventurous families but not recommended for very young children.
Combine with nearby Seljalandsfoss (10 km west) and Skógafoss (20 km east) for an epic south coast day.